By Rear Admiral Sanjay Roye (R), Indian Navy
The Indian Navy’s premier submarine training establishment, INS Satavahana, stands as a testament to the rigorous standards and exceptional tradition of the Navy’s submarine arm.
Commissioned on December 21, 1974, in Visakhapatnam, this venerable institution is in the midst of its golden jubilee celebrations. Over the past five decades, INS Satavahana has evolved into a center of excellence, molding individuals into dauntless submariners capable of navigating the challenges of the deep seas.
This institution’s significance extends beyond simply training personnel; it represents a strategic investment in India’s underwater deterrent capability.
The Unparalleled Rigours Of Submarine Training: A Global Perspective
Submarine training is universally acknowledged as one of the most demanding forms of military training worldwide, pushing individuals to their absolute physical and mental limits. The unique environment of a submarine operating in the ocean’s depths presents a set of challenges unparalleled in other military domains.
As Norman Polmar and Kenneth J. Moore note in ‘Cold War Submarines: The Design and Construction of U.S. and Soviet Submarines,’ “Submarine service is demanding, requiring highly trained and motivated personnel capable of working in a confined, hazardous environment.”
This confinement and the inherent dangers of underwater operations necessitate a rigorous training regimen that prepares submariners for any eventuality. The selection process is often highly selective, weeding out those lacking the necessary aptitude, resilience, and psychological fortitude to withstand the pressures of submarine life.
The emphasis on self-sufficiency and damage control further emphasizes the demanding nature of submarine training. Unlike surface vessels, submarines operate in isolation for extended periods, often without external support. This necessitates that every crew member be proficient in multiple roles and capable of handling emergencies independently.
The Royal Navy’s official documentation on submarine training states, “Submariners are trained to be self-reliant and resourceful, capable of dealing with any eventuality, from minor technical malfunctions to major emergencies.”
This training includes extensive drills on technical systems, weapons, sensors, damage control, firefighting, and emergency escape procedures, ensuring submariners can respond effectively to any crisis. This emphasis on self-reliance and problem-solving under pressure is a hallmark of submarine training programs across the globe.
Furthermore, the psychological demands of submarine service are immense. The prolonged periods of isolation, the confined living conditions, and the constant awareness of operating in a potentially hostile environment can take a significant toll on mental well-being.
As articulated in ‘Blind Man’s Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage’ by Sherry Sontag and Christopher Drew, the psychological screening and training for submariners are crucial because “the ability to function effectively under stress, in close quarters, and for extended periods underwater is paramount.”
Therefore, submarine training programs worldwide incorporate rigorous psychological evaluations and monitoring designed to prepare individuals for the unique mental challenges of submarine life. This focus on mental resilience distinguishes submarine training from other military specializations, making it a truly unique and demanding profession.
A Legacy Of Excellence And Strategic Importance
INS Satavahana has played an instrumental role in shaping the backbone of the Indian Navy’s underwater force, contributing significantly to India’s maritime security posture.
From imparting foundational knowledge through the Basic Submarine Course to testing the mettle of seasoned officers in the Commanding Officers’ Qualifying Course (COQC), it has consistently upheld its mission of producing highly skilled and professional submariners.
The COQC, in particular, also called the ‘Perishers Course’ world over, is a grueling test of leadership, tactical acumen, and decision-making under pressure, preparing officers for the immense responsibility of commanding a submarine. Unlike any other leader, the submarine Captain is on his own. But, it is not only about submariners or command at sea.
The ethos of INS Satavahana is built on discipline, resilience, and technical prowess, making it an indispensable pillar of the Navy’s combat readiness and a crucial component of India’s ability to inflict sea denial or complete the nuclear triad.
The training imparted here is not merely about operating machinery; it’s about instilling a deep understanding of strategic implications and the crucial role submarines play in maintaining regional stability.
Comprehensive Training Programs: Forging Underwater Warriors
Training at INS Satavahana combines theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience, and rigorous physical and psychological conditioning. The process is designed to prepare submariners for the multifaceted challenges of underwater operations, encompassing technical proficiency and the unique psychological demands of prolonged underwater deployments. Key aspects of the training include:
Technical Mastery: Submariners are trained to operate and maintain complex systems, including navigation, propulsion, communication, and weapon systems. High-fidelity simulators replicate real-world scenarios, enabling trainees to hone their skills in a safe and controlled environment. These simulators are constantly updated to reflect the latest technological advancements in submarine design and warfare.
Physical Fitness and Endurance: A submarine’s confined and demanding environment necessitates peak physical fitness. Training programs emphasize endurance, strength, and adaptability, pushing trainees to their physical limits. This includes rigorous drills simulating emergency situations within confined spaces. The Escape Training School, a part of INS Satavahana, imparts escape training to all trainees and undertakes frequent refresher courses to keep them up-to-date.
Teamwork and Leadership: Effective communication and trust are critical in the close-knit environment of a submarine. Trainees are exposed to scenarios that foster collaboration and prepare them for leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and shared decision-making in high-stress situations. A large number of practical evolutions are practiced with full crew involvement under the watchful eyes of very competent and professional trainers.
Psychological Resilience: Operating in isolation and under immense pressure demands unwavering mental fortitude. Specialized programs help submariners develop stress management and decision-making skills, including techniques for coping with isolation, confinement, and the constant pressure of potential threats.
The Toughest Training Challenge: A Crucible Of Resilience
As mentioned earlier, training submariners is widely regarded as one of the most demanding undertakings in the military, requiring a unique blend of technical expertise, physical endurance, and psychological fortitude. Several unique challenges make this process exceptionally rigorous:
Complexity of Submarine Systems: Submariners must master intricate systems for propulsion, weaponry, and communication, necessitating in-depth technical training and proficiency. There are at least twenty-plus ship systems that every submariner needs to master. This translates to more than kilometers of pipelines and thousand-plus valves, their locations, and operations. This requires continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies.
Psychological Pressure: The isolated and high-stress conditions aboard submarines require trainees to develop exceptional mental resilience, with programs designed to simulate prolonged confinement and operational pressures. This includes coping with the knowledge of operating in a hostile environment, often for extended periods. There are many other dilemmas – no communication for extended periods of time with family members, no news from home, other concerns for the loved ones, none of which any other person in any profession is subjected to.
Physical Constraints: The limited space and resources aboard a submarine demand peak physical fitness and adaptability, which are cultivated through rigorous endurance and strength training. This training prepares them for a submarine’s cramped and often uncomfortable conditions. Hygiene and microclimate do take the backseat.
Critical Life-Saving Skills: Submariners are trained in advanced escape techniques and emergency protocols, ensuring they can respond effectively to crises. Facilities like the DSRVs, rescue bells, hyperbaric chambers, and escape tower cum simulators play a crucial role in this aspect of training, providing realistic simulations and practical emergency scenarios.
Team Dynamics: The success of submarine missions depends on seamless teamwork and trust among crew members, a focus area throughout the training process. This emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills and the ability to function effectively as part of a highly specialized team.
Infrastructure, Technology, And Future Adaptation
INS Satavahana is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support its comprehensive training programs. These include:
Submarine Simulators: Advanced simulators replicate underwater conditions, enabling realistic training in technical subjects, navigation, sonar operation, and combat scenarios. These are constantly being upgraded to incorporate virtual and augmented reality technologies.
Escape Training Facility (ETF): A world-class facility where submariners learn escape techniques and safety procedures critical in emergencies.
Workshops and Laboratories: These facilities provide hands-on training in system maintenance and troubleshooting, ensuring submariners are adept at addressing technical challenges.
Accommodation and Recreational Facilities: The campus supports a conducive learning environment with modern accommodations and amenities for trainees.
As INS Satavahana celebrates its 50th anniversary, it stands poised to continue to embrace the future of submarine warfare and technology. Its reputation as a premier training establishment is so popular that it now trains a number of international submarine crews across continents.
With the induction of advanced platforms and increasing focus on indigenization, the training curriculum at Satavahana continues to evolve, integrating emerging technologies such as AI-driven simulators, augmented reality tools, and enhanced safety protocols to prepare submariners for the evolving challenges of modern naval warfare.
This forward-looking approach ensures that the Indian Navy’s submarine arm remains at the cutting edge of underwater technology and operational effectiveness.
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Rear Admiral Sanjay Roye AVSM VSM (Retd.), Indian Navy, is a former Captain of the Akula-class SSN INS Chakra, Officer-in-Charge of the School of Advanced Underwater Warfare and Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area. He is also the author of the Indian Naval Submarine Arm’s history coffee table book, ‘Warriors of Stealth.’
- He can be reached at sanjayroye (at) gmail.com
